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Missing Teeth
There are plenty of reasons to replace a
missing tooth. A gap between your
teeth, if obvious when you smile or
speak, is a cosmetic concern.
Depending on their location, some
missing teeth may affect your speech. A missing
molar might not be noticeable when you talk or
smile, but its absence can affect chewing.
When a tooth is missing, the biting force on the
remaining teeth begins to change. As the bite
changes to compensate for the lost tooth, there is
a risk of extra pressure on and discomfort in the
jaw joints. If a missing tooth is not replaced, the
surrounding teeth can shift. Harmful plaque and
tartar can collect in new hard-to-reach places created
by the shifting teeth. Over time, this may
lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is one option for replacing a
tooth. Implants are manufactured devices that
are placed surgically in the upper or lower jaw,
where they function as anchors for replacement
teeth. Implants are made of titanium and other
materials that are compatible with the human
body.
An implant looks and feels like a natural tooth.
It fits securely when you chew and speak. A
single-tooth implant is a free-standing unit and
does not involve treatment to the adjacent teeth.
With a dental implant, the surrounding teeth can
remain untouched if they are healthy, and their
strength and integrity may be maintained. The
implant can stabilize your bite and help prevent
problems with the jaw.
What happens during the Implant process?
Treatment generally is a three-part process that
takes several months. Your dentist may provide
the treatment, or you may be referred to a specialist—
such as a periodontist, a prosthodontist
or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon—for all or
part of the treatment.
In the first step, the dentist surgically places
the implant in the jaw, with the top of the
implant slightly above the top of the bone. A
screw is inserted into the implant to prevent gum
tissue and other debris from entering.
The gum then is secured over the implant,
where it will remain covered for approximately
three to six months while the implant fuses with
the bone, a process called "osseointegration."
There may be some swelling and/or tenderness for
a few days after the surgery, so pain medication
usually is prescribed to alleviate the discomfort. A
diet of soft foods, cold foods and warm soup often
is recommended during the healing process.
In the second step, the implant is uncovered
and the dentist attaches an extension, called a
"post," to the implant. The gum tissue is allowed
to heal around the post. Once healing is complete,
the implant and post will serve as the foundation
for the new tooth.
In the final step, the dentist makes a custom
artificial tooth, called a "dental crown," of a size,
shape, color and fit that will blend with the other
teeth. Once completed, the crown is attached to
the implant post.
Am I a candidate for Implants?
If you are missing a tooth but you are in good
general health, with healthy gums and a jawbone
that can support an implant, implant treatment
may be an option for you. (However, keep in mind
that in many cases, third molars—called "wisdom
teeth"—do not require replacement.) Health is
more a factor than is your age. For example,
chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or leukemia,
may interfere with healing after surgery. And if
you use tobacco, you are at greater risk of experiencing
gum disease, which can weaken the bone
and tissues needed to support the implant.
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TREATMENT
Braces (orthodontia)
Sealants
Missing Teeth
Bridges
Root Canal Therapy
Extractions
Dental Crowns
Scaling and Root Planing
Flap Surgery
Dentures
Jaw/TMJ
Maxillofacial Surgery
Cosmetic Dentistry
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